Automotive

Best Time To Buy A Car? The Holiday Season Might Be One

Best Time To Buy A Car? The Holiday Season Might Be One When is the best time to buy a car? Should you wait until the end of the year?
Data over the last few years suggests November and December are the best months.
However, don’t believe everything you hear just yet.
Brace yourself. The holidays are coming. Extended hours, big savings, and hordes of ambitious shoppers camping out (literally) at the front of the line. While clothes, games, and electronics are often top of mind, what about a larger purchase like an automobile? Do Black Friday and Christmas deals exist on cars?
What about this time of year in general? Is it really the best time to buy a car? Conventional wisdom says yes but we talked with the experts for a consensus. There are a few things to consider before shopping for a car this holiday season.
Pre-Owned Cars: November & December Are Prime Times
Black Friday is a great day for pre-owned vehicle shoppers, according to a study last year by iSeeCars.com. The iSeeCars.com team analyzed over 48 million one- to five-year-old pre-owned sales from January 2013 through December 2016 to determine when the best deals were offered.
A “deal” was defined as a savings of at least five percent.
“We found that holidays in November and December, and consequently the months of November and December, offer more deals than you would expect to typically find on an average day,” explained Phong Ly, Chief Executive Officer, iSeeCars.com.
Overall, based on the percentage of deals offered, November is the best month, with pre-owned car shoppers receiving 38.4 percent more deals on average. December (38.2 percent more deals) is close behind. By comparison, October comes in at 16.7 percent, January at 19.9 percent, and February at 4.8 percent.
May was the worst month, with 28.3 percent fewer deals on average.
“While Memorial Day and July 4th have associations with car sales and better deals, that doesn’t seem to hold for used car sales,” Ly said. “We found fewer deals than average on those holidays, and the months from late spring through summer are generally not great for finding used car deals.”
According to iSeeCars.com, the Cadillac CTS is one of the best bargains for shoppers seeking a pre-owned luxury vehicle. Photo: General Motors.
New Vehicles: Black Friday Tops Cyber Monday
Last year, the November Dealer DataView index found dealerships see an increase in web traffic during the fall months. Their report says the extra web activity may usher in a “relatively robust selling climate” as dealerships prepare for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Dealertrack data from 2016 found a near 40 percent rise in credit applications on Black Friday compared to other Fridays in November. That suggests dealerships likely prioritize Black Friday. By comparison, Cyber Monday registered only a 2.6 percent growth in credit applications versus other Mondays in November 2016.
“At the beginning of November, we saw a number of dealers and automakers launch Black Friday and holiday promotional events – the famous red bows came out – as they do every year as a way to close out the year on a high note,” said Michelle Krebs, Executive Analyst, Autotrader.
Those who need a new vehicle but want to maximize their savings should consider a 2018 model.
“Between now and the end of the year, consumers will find excellent prices and more negotiating room on leftovers,” Krebs explained. “Automakers and dealers do whatever it takes to clear out the previous year’s inventory before the start of the new year.”
Related: How the internet changes car buying.
Generally speaking, the best time to buy a car is near the end of the year. Factory rebates and dealer discounts are often better. However, the selection may not be as great. Photo: Michael Gaida.
Due Diligence: Ask Questions & Verify
Always verify – through an independent mechanic if necessary – the overall condition of any pre-owned vehicle. Ask about key maintenance items like brakes, tires, belts, and the battery. When were they last changed, or if not changed recently, what are the current measurements for the brakes and tires. Another good question to ask is warranty: is there still a balance of the factory warranty, or does the dealer offer any type of after-sale warranty.
“Used cars can look good but still have problems that could be expensive to fix,” said Brandon Grade, Service Advisor at Findlay Toyota in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Personally, I try and steer people towards a certified pre-owned vehicle that comes with a warranty.”
Related: Financing versus leasing: which one is right for you.
Due Diligence: Don’t Believe Everything You See
Those big inflatable gorillas and “Sales Event” banners? They may only be there for show.
“The deals this time of year are pretty good, but prices specifically on Black Friday are about the same as they are the week before or the week after,” Krebs explained. “Automakers and dealers simply try to ride the wave of the shopping frenzy created by Black Friday.”
“Don’t assume because it’s Black Friday that every car from every dealer is discounted,” Ly added.
Always read the fine print – or as we say in the business – follow the asterisk to the bottom of the page. Those brightly-bolded low payments might be subjected to certain terms and conditions. In the case of a lease, those flashy low payments are only achieved with significant down payment. And sometimes, the advertised car with the best deal is actually the lower trim level.
Keep in mind seasonal factors too. For example, 4×4 trucks and SUVs can command higher premiums during winter months, similar to how convertible sports cars can in the summer.
Related: Most common car repairs by season.

Further Advice
If you need more advice on the buying process or insight on a particular model, please contact us. iSeeCars.com also provides this handy video on questions you should ask at the dealership. Overall, the holiday season is likely the best time to buy a car but just be careful.
“Just because there are more deals offered on Black Friday doesn’t mean the general rules of thumb about buying a car don’t apply,” Ly said. “Doing online research ahead of time, figuring out your budget, test-driving the car, and getting it inspected by an independent mechanic are still important.”
And above all? Trust your gut.
“If it seems too good to be true, there’s most likely something wrong so stay away,” Grade said. “Don’t be afraid to walk away.”
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.

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Global Automakers Restructuring With Senior Leadership Changes & Appointments

Global Automakers Restructuring With Senior Leadership Changes & Appointments As February concluded, a number of automakers saw new changes in executive leadership. Ford Motor Company, among the most notable, announced a handful of senior leadership changes following the departure of their North American president Raj Nair. In addition to Ford, here is a brief look which other automakers have made recent changes to their senior leadership team.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Effective April 1st, Fred Diaz will succeed Ryujiro Kobashi as President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc (MMNA). According to the company, Diaz will lead Mitsubishi Motors’ business in North America leveraging his 29 years of sales, marketing, and customer relations experience in the United States. Kobashi will return to Mitsubishi Motors’ headquarters to assume an important role in overseas sales in Tokyo, Japan.
“With his in-depth background and experience in North America, Fred has a strong ability to proactively engage with Mitsubishi Motors’ dealers and customers as we aim to expand our dealership network, enhance our brand, and drive sales growth,” said Trevor Mann, Chief Operating Officer, MMNA.
In October, Mitsubishi Motors announced its three-year Drive for Growth plan, which aims to improve the company’s U.S. dealership network and grow sales by 30 percent to 130,000 units per year. The automaker notes that under Kobashi’s leadership, MMNA was able to rebuild Mitsubishi Motors’ sales and successfully launch the Eclipse Cross CUV as well as other important models in North America.
Fred Diaz will succeed Ryujiro Kobashi as President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Kia Motors America
Jang Won (Justin) Sohn has transitioned from his role as President and CEO of Kia Motors America to Head of Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Middle East Operations. SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, currently the President and CEO of Kia Canada Inc., will transition to President and CEO of Kia Motors America. Yoon returns to KMA after previously serving the company from 2006 to 2012.
Kia says during Sohn’s tenure, the brand recorded a number of historic achievements in the United States. Among them: record-breaking new car sales in 2015 and 2016; best-ever Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sales; back-to-back number one rankings in J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study; and the Stinger becoming the first Kia vehicle to be named a finalist for the prestigious North American Car of the Year award.
Polestar
Polestar, the new electric performance brand associated with Volvo, has appointed August Wu as President of Polestar China, reporting to Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath. August joins Polestar from Volvo Cars in Shanghai where he was Head of Product and Offer for the APAC region. In this role, he was responsible for local product, specification, pricing, and vehicle line management of all Volvo products in the APAC region. In the new role, Wu will over see Polestar’s commercial offerings and retail presence in China, a key market for the brand.
“The appointment of August Wu as the new President of Polestar China is an important step in the development of our team in China,” explained Ingenlath. “With China being one of the world’s fastest developing markets for electrified cars, it’s clear that having somebody with a very deep understanding of the market was vitally important. In August Wu, we have found that person.”
President of Polestar China, August Wu. Photo: Polestar.
Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai has established the High Performance Vehicle & Motorsport Division to enhance the company’s presence in those areas. Hyundai says the new division will “streamline Hyundai’s strategy, product planning, sales, and marketing capabilities for high performance vehicle operations to maximize synergy between headquarters and the company’s Motorsport arm, Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, to further develop the high performance vehicle business.”
Thomas Schemera, a former BMW executive, has been appointed to lead the new division.
“I am thrilled to join Hyundai Motor, which is presenting incredible prowess in its high performance technologies through models like the i30 N, despite being relatively new to this competitive scene,” he said. “I will dedicate my expertise and knowledge obtained over my three-decade career to making a significant contribution to Hyundai’s development in this field and to provide pure driving pleasure to our customers.”
German-born Schemera, 55, studied mechanical engineering at Bochum University of Applied Science and industrial engineering & economics at Munich University of Applied Science. He began his career as a design engineer for BMW in 1987. He played various key roles at BMW Group including four-years as Vice President of Sales & Dealer Development in the mainland and Greater China region, where he led the four-fold increase in sales of BMW and BMW M models from 2005 to 2008. Most recently, he served as the Head of BMW M and BMW Individual in the Americas.
Sources: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Kia Motors America, Polestar, Hyundai Motor Company.

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2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: You Have Been Warned!

2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS: You Have Been Warned! dun-dun-DUNNNNNN!!! You have every right to be afraid, track-types. The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is here and it is going to kick your you know what around the track unless you unload some serious rolling stock off your trailer. Yes, it’s road legal, and yes, it’ll beat you there too, but this beast’s natural environment is the track.
Get ready.
Front & Center
This line from Porsche pretty much tells you everything you need to know, and with great brevity: “World premiere of the most powerful naturally aspirated series-production 911 ever.” If you can extrapolate from that, you know just what a terror the GT3 RS is going to be. Look at what Porsche has done since day one. They have made more with less at an aggravating rate. For example, mid-1980s 911s were able to run with Ferraris and Lamborghinis with engines half the size running half the cylinders.
Power & Performance
The mill in the 2019 GT3 RS sounds like something NASA would make. It’s a four-liter, naturally aspirated flat-six engine that produces 20 horsepower more than the 2016 version of the 911 GT3 RS. That adds up to 520 horsepower and 346 lb-ft. of torque. It has plasma coated cylinder liners, a central oil supply through the crankshaft, larger bearing diameters, larger con-rod bearings, and a more rigid valvetrain with shims for clearance compensation. The red line is set at a superbike-esque 9,000 rpms, while the transmission is a specifically-tuned, seven-speed PDK unit with performance-oriented gearing.
The exhaust is made of titanium and air is ingested through ram-style openings in the rear quarter panels. Just for good measure.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Weight Reduction Strategies
Said plant lives in a home where aerodynamics and lightweight construction have driven the overall design. The body is wide, weight-optimized, and features a fixed rear wing. The front and rear fascias are made of lightweight polyurethane. The front trunk lid and fenders are made of carbon fiber and the roof is friggin’ magnesium. There are NACA ducts in the front trunk lid for improved brake cooling without adding drag. The front fascia has a larger spoiler lip that increases downforce and works with the larger side skirts. Out back, that (comically) large wing is mounted on a carbon fiber deck lid and works with a rear underbody diffusor to make the RS stick like a limpet. Bottom line: Double the downforce of the regular 911 GT3 at 124 mph.
The racy stuff continues on the inside as well. Full bucket seats with carbon fiber reinforced backrests and a high degree of lateral support; lightweight glass for the rear and side windows; lightweight door panels with door opening loops in place of metal handles; abridged sound insulation, and the rear seat? Gone. You don’t need the weight. And the cherry on top is a 360 mm Alcantara steering wheel with a yellow 12 o’clock center marker. Sweet!
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Ride & Handling
Now, about that chassis. Yes, I know, shoot, we all know, that 911s have certain, shall we say, quirks in their handling. Let me be blunt: 911s can be a complete bear to hang on to in corners. All the chassis tricks, computer controls, and such are working against the cruel physics of having all the weight of the drivetrain way, way at the back. These things spin like a Frisbee.
To counter that, the 2019 GT3 RS comes with Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM), active engine mounts, rear axle steering, and the fully-variable electronic locking rear differential with Porsche’s Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+). The ball joints on all links deliver greater precision than conventional bearings and rubber bushings. Added into the mix are new “helper springs” at the front and rear axles. Ride height, toe, camber, caster, and sway bar settings of the suspension can be adjusted to suit individual driver preferences.
Further, the wheels are forged lightweight deals measuring 9.5 x 20 inches in diameter and are wrapped in newly developed 265/35 ultra-high performance tires up front. Out back there are 12.5 x 21-inch wheels with 325/30 tires. Braking, always a Porsche performance ace, is accomplished by large, cross-drilled grey cast iron rotors measuring 380 mm front and rear, standard. If you like, Porsche’s Ceramic Composite Brake system with even bigger 410 mm rotors at the front and 390 mm rotors at the back are available. In case you’re interested, the ceramic rotors weigh around 50 percent less than the cast-iron jobs.
Photo: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.
Weissach Treatments
There’s an optional Weissach package available, which seems to be a thing for all Porsche models now. The Weissach package reduces weight even further with upgraded front and rear sway bars and coupling rods, plus an even lighter vehicle roof and steering wheel. The shift paddles are all made of carbon fiber, dropping weight by 13 pounds. There are optional forged magnesium wheels, weighing around 25 pounds less than the standard wheels – but only if you get the Weissach package. Go with this option and the car scales in at 3,153 pounds. Nice!
Pricing & Availability
A lot. Much, much dollars. The 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is available for order now, and is expected at dealerships this fall. The base price is (gulp) $187,500. The Weissach package will run you another $18,000, and the mag wheels can be yours for an additional $13,000. So, over $200,000 by the time you’re done, and, let’s be honest here: It’s. Worth. Every. Penny.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.
2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Gallery

Photos & Source: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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Chevy Designers Address Everyday Life With 2018 Equinox

Chevy Designers Address Everyday Life With 2018 Equinox

You know what? Some people are just pigs! I know gearheads so clean and neat they don’t want you eating near their car, let alone in it. But you’re not like that, are you? Or most of you. Most drivers, and by that I mean especially American drivers, use their cars as mobile offices, diners, beauty parlors, and daycare centers.
Chevrolet is way ahead of you. Rather than teach everyone some manners, they decided to go the other direction and start making interiors that are easier to clean and more stain resistant.
Market Research
Chevy did something a little dangerous: they started paying attention to people on “The Internet.” They did this with the best of intentions. The design team for Chevy’s 2018 Equinox noted (correctly) that people have a tendency to over-share stuff on social media. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, the whole lot of them is clogged with people showing you what they’re eating for lunch. That burrito the size of a Dachshund? Well that just dropped onto the dash, foot well, and/or front seats of their car immediately after that selfie.
Very smart of Chevy. They realized this goldmine of free, real-world user data could be leveraged into more usable interiors.
The design team working on the 2018 Equinox’s interior followed “real” people, including other designers and lifestyle influencers. They observed color and fabric trends and common consumer problems, like dark-wash denim staining other fabrics in the vehicle, such as the seats.
“By following real people and absorbing the little things in life that help or hinder them – such as photos posted of muddy paws, spilled drinks or stains on the seats – we learned more about how we could make the new Equinox easier to live with and enjoy every day,” said Mara Kapsis, Color and Trim Designer for the 2018 Equinox.
With the 2018 Equinox, Chevy designers pushed for a fashion-forward interior with materials that compliment everyday use. Photo: Chevrolet.
Fashion & Function
So, being the bright young spark she is, Kapsis made the 2018 Equinox interior from a durable, denim-like seat fabric that’s easy to clean but offers exceptional wear resistance. The interior team also came up with a new treatment that resists staining and scuffing for the available leather seats on the 2018 Equinox.
“The fabric is very durable, while the color and even the pattern help hide dirt and stains,” Kapsis added. “It’s also very easy to vacuum and clean, which saves owners time and helps keep the interior looking great year after year.”
Fashion forecasting was also taken into account. The design team needed to predict color trends about three years past the 2018 Equinox’s launch. In addition to having an interior that’s easy to live with, the 2018 Equinox has increased cargo space, the latest connectivity gadgetry, even more available safety features than before, and an all-new range of turbocharged engines, including the segment’s first diesel.
If all this piques your interest, or you’re just a suburban parent that’s this close to losing it about having to clean up that mess one more time, you’ll be interested to know the 2018 Equinox is on sale now and starts at $24,525.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias toward lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photos & Source: Chevrolet.

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2018 Toyota Tacoma Limited Review: Not Too Shabby

2018 Toyota Tacoma Limited Review: Not Too Shabby It may not be as capable as the Tacoma TRD Off-Road we recently drove, but the Limited is still a good choice. This trim is a bit more luxurious while still sharing its sibling’s lifted stance. So it’s at least a little adventure-ready. And the Double Cab means you can take your friends with room for extra gear on the excursion.
This week we did just that. We drove the 2018 Toyota Tacoma Limited 4×4 Double Cab.
What’s New For 2018
All Tacomas gain Toyota Safety Sense P, a suite of safety features that includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The rest of the Tacoma is unchanged.
Features & Options: Heated Seats & Sound Systems
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma Limited 4×4 Double Cab ($40,215) is the most civilized version of the Tacoma. It lacks the TRD Off-Road’s specialized performance upgrades, and instead comes with nearly all of the Off-Road and Sport’s optional features as standard equipment.
Feature highlights include a power moonroof, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated seats, leather upholstery, and JBL speakers with a subwoofer. Our automatic V6 tester came with smart entry and push-button start. Everything rides on the truck’s 18-inch wheels with lower-profile tires.
MSRP, including destination, for our 2018 model: $41,473. By comparison, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma Limited starts at $37,490.
Not as large as the Tundra, the 2018 Toyota Tacoma is easier to maneuver in the city.
Interior Highlights: Nice But Cramped
The cabin is fine enough for longer trips, which we took over Vail Pass this week. With the heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and premium JBL audio, the Tacoma Limited is an a enjoyable place to spend time. The high floor and low roof still left us feeling a bit cramped on the long drive, however.
Our tester came with an attractive black and brown interior and lots of soft-touch materials. Plenty of storage, plus the cell phone charging pad in front of the gear shifter is quite convenient. The backup camera made things simple, especially with the longer cab as we backed up in small parking spaces.
The front seats could use more adjustment capabilities as they offered minimal support, but the tilt/telescoping steering wheel makes it easier to find the right driving position. Our two adult passengers had adequate room in the back, but we needed to move the seats forward.
Overall, the cabin is tight and the seats are not the most forgiving on longer commutes.
The interior of the 2018 Toyota Tacoma Limited is nice but the seats could be more comfortable.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Tacoma Limited is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 with direct injection, making 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft. of torque. Our tester came mated to a six-speed automatic with 4WDemand: A part-time 4×4 system with an electronically-controlled, two-speed transfer case.
Towing capacity for the Tacoma Limited with the V6 is 6,400 lbs.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18/22 city/highway and 20 combined mpg. Fuel tank size is 21 gallons. When compared to the rest of the segment, the V6 Tacoma fares reasonably well.
Related: Bigger than the Tacoma, the Tundra’s V8 packs a serious punch.
Driving Dynamics: Smooth & Good In The Snow
The 278 horsepower V6 is a happy and high-revving engine. With both direct and port injection, and two variable valve systems (one with a wider intake), the Atkinson Cycle engine was satisfying to drive. Its 265 lb-ft. of torque work well with the six-speed automatic; the shifts are smooth and the gear spacing is excellent.
Limited gets the standard suspension, making its ride better than the TRD Off-Road. The front suspension uses double wishbones with coil springs. Rates were softened, both front and rear, to improve ride. Furthermore, that shock tuning included tweaks to the rebound damping to improve control.
We took the Tacoma Limited over Vail Pass after it had just snowed, and the roads were still slick and icy. This tester had regular all-season tires and not all-terrain meats. So we dialed up the 4WDemand system to 4High, and plowed over the pass without issue. The Limited will go anywhere as long as you have the clearance.
Related: An in-depth look at the 2019 Toyota TRD Pro lineup.
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma with the V6 comes with a Class IV receiver hitch, trailer sway control, and a transmission, engine oil, and power steering cooler.
Conclusion: Solid Marks Overall
The 2018 Toyota Tacoma Limited will still take you off the beaten path, despite its nicer features. Toyota’s reputation for durability and strong resale value put it at the top of the list in the mid-size truck segment. If you are transporting dirt bikes, four-wheelers, snow machines; heading up the mountain to go skiing, or pulling a small camping trailer, this truck will meet your needs.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Toyota Tacoma Limited Gallery

Toyota Tacoma Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Letter From The UK: The Rejection of Autonomous Cars

Letter From The UK: The Rejection of Autonomous Cars “If you build it they will come” may apply to baseball fields but autonomous cars are a different story.
The timeline for autonomous vehicles is right around the corner, but are we moving too fast?
Perhaps autonomy is not the answer we seek? Maybe we are doing more harm than good?
Rejecting Autonomous Cars
Some car makers are claiming they will have autonomous cars on the road by 2020. Perhaps for controlled testing, but otherwise no they won’t, for various reasons. For example, if you were in a position to get all drivers in the UK into a room – admittedly a very big room – and ask them for a round of applause for the coming of the autonomous car you would be met, Dear Reader, with the sound of resounding silence.
Sure, you might hear a ‘Whoop!’ from the cheap seats but that will just be the inevitable techno-nerd in the room.
With all the other things we have to worry about: Brexit, inept and cowardly politicians, plastic pollution, and gender issues to name but four, most Brits could not give a hoot nor a holler neither for the autonomous car.
Hybrids To The Rescue?
Over the last few years our government has been offering a special grant to car buyers, often of several thousand of our British Pounds, to encourage drivers to buy into PHEV hybrid technology, seen as the forerunner to full autonomy.
Well, we took full advantage of that, especially business users, who saved a lot of money. But a recent survey finds most of the charging cables are still wrapped up in the trunk and have never been used. Many of these cars are not being charged at all; thus vehicles that could achieve well over 100 miles per gallon if correctly deployed are in fact only averaging 39.27 mpg, according to the The Miles Consultancy.
The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), which represents many fleets, explains, “higher taxes on diesel cars incentivized companies to buy plug-ins, even if they had no intention of using their electric capability.” This is how consciously we think about the environment and how, as a consequence, autonomous cars will likely be perceived. Too expensive to be viable for the average wage earner as anyone who has flicked through a Tesla catalogue will tell you.
Related: Everything you need to know before purchasing an electric vehicle.

Infrastructure Woes
Ours is an old country. Many of its roads and byways were first established during the Roman occupation of Britain. Narrow country lanes mix with ‘B’ roads, ‘A’ Roads, and motorways to criss-cross the land. It is a very convoluted, very broken, and pothole strewn system, currently well beyond the ability of the National purse to fund repairs. Never mind the cost of deploying all the roadside technology that will ultimately be needed.
It simply cannot be done.
Certainly we do currently enjoy partial autonomy in existing cars, particularly in their ability to react to certain dangers, but there is some considerable variance between different manufacturer’s driver assistance technology. There is no conformity to a set of standards. Very many cars today enjoy adaptive cruise control, for example, where you can set how close you get to the car in front but some systems are more conservative than others. Drivers still have to remain fully alert.
Unleashing these self-driving vehicles onto our roads too soon is a recipe for disaster.Click To TweetToo Much Too Soon?
The fact is that even the latest autopilots and AI are nowhere near ready for 2020 and mixing it with regular traffic?
It’s all talk.
I have been reading a lot on this subject written by freelance, non-aligned colleagues far more qualified than me to speak intelligently on matters of critical safety software. Always allowing for my ability to stay awake when people discuss autonomous cars, of course. The consensus is, they can’t do it except in controlled tests. Unleashing these self-driving vehicles onto our roads too soon is a recipe for disaster. In MY opinion.
Related: A recent AAA study finds most consumers are afraid of autonomous cars.

The Court of Public Opinion
Ultimately the public will decide. Within their limitations, electric cars are starting to gain popularity. This writer likes them for their instant responsiveness and finds them enjoyable to drive and that’s the point: I am still the driver at the wheel.
With all our many and various failings as drivers we still want to be in control of our own destinies. This is what car manufacturers can’t quite grasp. Clearly, their first objective is to make money and that requires some considerable long-term financial investments, but it is my belief they are throwing money away by trying to promote an autonomous future for the simple reason that most of us don’t want it.
When The Machine Stops
It goes without saying though that at some point in the distant future, in an increasingly authoritarian world, our descendants, like it or not, will be riding around in autonomous shuttles at a fixed speed because the state says so. For now though, I commend to you a short story, written presciently in 1909 by E.M. Forster called The Machine Stops, then wonder how far down this road we really want to go.
My question to manufacturers: You might be able to make it, but first you should ask if people want it.
Geoff Maxted is a motoring writer, photographer, and author of our Letter From The UK series. Follow his work on Twitter: @DriveWrite

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From Very Small To Extra Large: How History Impacts Car Preferences

From Very Small To Extra Large: How History Impacts Car Preferences Looking Back At The Tiny Car Era
Microcars, those automobiles with engines under 1,000cc and holding no more than two people, occasionally re-enter the public’s view. While usually considered curiosities, they have a fascinating history, and were very popular for a time. Car enthusiasts will not soon forget the Peel P50, the world’s smallest car that ceased production in 1965. While only fifty original Peel P50s were made, this style of vehicle has historical significance and is a dramatic contrast to anything we see on streets today.
The Peel’s small production numbers, however, make it an outlier. Many microcars sold in the tens and hundreds of thousands. Before we go further, let’s take a step back and compare the evolution of cars and driving in the United States vs. Europe.
1960s-era advertisement for the Peel P50.
Wide Open Spaces
The U.S. is a large and young country compared to European ones. Our cities and towns are spread far apart. As cars were introduced into commerce, the dirt horse paths did not suffice as motor roadways. These paths were eventually paved, and since land was aplenty, they were also made wide. Gasoline was plentiful and cheap. As people spent more time in their cars, they wanted room for comfort. All these factors conspired to result in the large American motor car.
The birth of the interstate highway system in 1956 and advent of more drivable roads only fueled the desire for Americans to take road trips in their new stylish rides. But for car producers abroad, smaller cars made more sense. European cities and towns are older than U.S. ones by a factor of several millennia. When motorcars first appeared, they had to navigate narrow, windy passages. Fuel was not readily available, and was more expensive. For these reasons, Europeans generally favored smaller vehicles.
This beautiful red BMW Isetta belongs to Richard Reina of CARiD Auto Parts and Automoblog. Richard is fond of taking it to shows and telling attendees about its history.
Bubble Car History
The end of World War II changed everything. European factories had been bombed, and companies struggled to get back into operation. Microcars (also known as “bubble cars”) came about as affordable and safe alternatives to motorbikes. At a time when steel and fuel were still scarce commodities, these bubble cars were an all-weather option for those on a budget.
Post-war Germany was home base for many popular microcars. One of the best-known was the BMW Isetta. Its tiny 300cc engine only made 13 horsepower, but globally, BMW sold 161,000 units. Another favorite was the Goggomobil. Unlike the Isetta, the “Goggos” were available as sedans, coupes, or minivans. A total of 285,000 were made from 1955-1969.
Perhaps the oddest-looking German bubble car was manufactured by Messerschmitt, a company known for their military aircraft production during World War II. With its tandem seating, yoke steering, plexiglass canopy top, and three tiny eight-inch wheels, the ‘Schmitt looked like nothing else on the road.
1964 Messerschmitt KR200 on display at the Autoworld Museum, Brussels, Belgium. With its one cylinder, two-stroke engine and 9.5 horsepower, it could reach a top speed of almost 70 mph. Photo: Carl Anthony for Automoblog.net.
Post-War Tastes
The first iteration of the Messerschmitt was the KR175, and the name “kabineroller” translates directly to “scooter with cabin,” which is an apt description of the vehicle. Messerschmitt improved the KR200 in 1955 by installing shock absorbers on all three wheels in an attempt to smooth out the ride and make for safer travel. About 45,000 of these three-wheel wonders were built.
Consumers in post-war France were also smitten with tiny cars, but many of their smallest microcars were not big sellers. The French preferred “supermini” cars such as the Citroen 2CV (4 doors, 600cc) and the Renault 4CV (4-doors, 760cc), which was the first French vehicle to sell over one million units. Many of these car makers attempted to market their microcars in the U.S. with limited success. Our expansive roadways, covering great distances between destinations, did not favor the small car. In some cases, American car dealers treated these tiny rides as a joke (“Buy a new Cadillac, get a free Isetta!”).
The one exception was the original Volkswagen. While not a microcar per se, it was smaller than anything coming out of Detroit, and a growing number of U.S. buyers gravitated toward it. VW’s success is a story for another time, but even in Europe, as the economy recovered in the years after the war, there was a declining demand for economical and efficient cars.
The GMC Yukon and other similar large, luxury SUVs are a reflection of how tastes have evolved regarding choices in personal transportation. Pictured here is a 2018 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate Black Edition. Photo: GMC.
Bigger But Better?
In 2018, most of our vehicles in the U.S. are larger than ever, with even the traditional sedan expanding in size. Last year, SUV, van, and pickup sales rose 4.3 percent while overall car sales saw a decline. As a class, trucks comprise about two-thirds of all new vehicle sales. One possible reason as to why big vehicles are now favored could be the boom of millennials, who are beginning to have families and crave space and comfort as they move to the suburbs. Historically cheap gas continues to drive sales, and you won’t hear any complaints from the Big 3 automakers, as their profit margins are much higher on the big trucks compared to compact cars.
As we’ve seen over time, car design directly reflects the broader trends of the era, whether it be an economic boom (or bust), or a shift to a more urban lifestyle. While upsizing seems like a trend that is here to stay, you never know when tiny cars may make their comeback.
Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com and lifelong automotive enthusiast.
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Cover Photo: 1965 BMW Isetta 300, Carl Anthony.

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Memory Lane: Love At First Flight

Memory Lane: Love At First Flight
I became fascinated with helicopters when I did my military service. Like Radar of M*A*S*H* I was a company clerk, except my outfit was a mechanized infantry battalion, not a medical unit. We would go on exercise and sometimes it involved planes and helicopters. As part of the country’s obligation to NATO, we were shipped for a few weeks to Norway where we took part in war games with other member nations. It was in the middle of winter and cold. I remember waking up in the morning and the five-gallon jerrycan of fresh water was frozen solid.
And it was inside the tent.
Winds of Change
We were in the northernmost part of Norway, near the Swedish and Finnish border. For some reason or other, they needed me to do some clerical work at another location. So, I was flown by helicopter, along with other personnel. It was a Bell 212, or more commonly known as a Twin Huey. It had two engines. Flying through the fjords of Norway, the wind was particularly virulent that day, so much so the pilot considered turning back. The sun was shining and the scenery was spectacular. Even though we bounced quite a bit getting there, I was hooked.
When I left my sales representative job with a major oil company, I attended flight school for my commercial pilot’s license. The training copters were Hughes 300C. Only one had a governor, which meant that when flying the other helicopters, you had to control the flow of fuel manually. The throttle was in the handle of the collective. That’s the stick on the side that allows you to change the pitch of the rotary blades in order to go up and down. The greatest advantage I found with the C version was that it had fuel injection. This meant you didn’t have to play with the carburetor heat all the time.
The course went well and I did my first solo around a dozen hours of flight time. I failed my first written exam, passed the second, and passed my first flight exam. To help us build flight times, the owner of the school would allow us to take a helicopter to fairs or mall parking lots to offer helicopter tours. After obtaining permissions and necessary permits, we were good to go. A section would be cordoned off and one of us would take care of loading and unloading the passengers in a safe manner, which included helping them with their seatbelts. You never wanted anyone to walk toward the tail rotor to be turned into ground meat.
Hughes 300C helicopter. Photo: Michael Bellamy.
Emergency Procedures
I remember one sightseeing flight in particular. This couple is loaded up in the helicopter. The woman was tiny and I don’t think she weighed a hundred pounds. She sat in the middle. The Hughes 300 could fit three people, but the middle seat was small, more suited to a child. Her husband was big and tall. I gave them headsets so we could talk, and I always tried to reassure people about flying in a helicopter, especially if it was their first time. The wife was quiet and not too sure about this since she had never flown in a helicopter. Her husband on the other hand boasted that he had flown many times in Jet Rangers. Those are Bell 206 helicopters with a single engine.
After obtaining permission from air traffic control to take off, I started the tour. Not far from the mall area, there were high tension wires going to a hydro station in the distance. The towers holding the lines were fairly tall, and we had to be at an altitude of 300 feet in order to fly over them. The flight was going well, the day was clear, and the woman was starting to relax. As soon as we flew past the hydro lines, I heard a bang coming from the engine and experienced a sudden yaw of the ship.
The greatest emphasis of learning how to fly is placed on emergency procedures. In the case of helicopters, autorotation is practiced quite a bit. Autorotation is achieved by lowering the collective which disengages the transmission, essentially putting it in neutral. This way, the rotor can spin freely and you control the speed as you descend and flare at the last minute, bring the ship level and land. In this particular case, I could not really autorotate.
Hughes 300C PH-OKE. Photo: Alf van Beem.
Scouting For Locations
There was a four-lane highway ahead. I could not turn around because I was losing altitude and would have had to deal with the hydro lines. There was tall grass all along the side of the highway. And in the distance, there was the hydro station. After I quickly looked at the dials, and realizing the engine was still running, I cranked up the throttle. The needles went into the red, but I didn’t care. It gave me more power and time to find a better place to land a ship that was still going down. Not far from the hydro station was a Toyota dealership. I briefly talked to the passengers in a reassuring manner.
I steered the helicopter toward the parking lot where I could see space on the closest side to us, near a number of new cars parked there. At the edge of the pavement, tall grass was growing. I managed to stretch the flight and land the skids on the pavement. The tail of the helicopter was over the grass. The machine could have flipped over if I had landed in the tall grass since there could have been a depression in the terrain. That’s why I didn’t try to land in the tall grass adjacent to the highway.
The couple had been accompanied by another couple who were going to take the tour next. They saw we had gone down, so they made their way to the Toyota dealership. We hadn’t even landed and the husband was clawing his way out, scrambling to find the door handle. I think he was halfway to his friend’s car by the time the main rotor had stopped turning. The wife was still sitting beside me. She turned to me and said, “that’s what a helicopter engine failure is like?” I replied “yes” without wanting to go into other details. Then she smiled and said, “I’ll fly again.” We reimbursed their fare and I explained to the dealership owner what had happened. He was mowing the lawn in front of the sales office, wondering why a helicopter had landed on his car lot.
Safe & Sound
I called the office to explain the situation and the mechanic showed up at about the same time as a flat bed truck. They removed the blades and loaded up the helicopter. It had not suffered a scratch, nor was a Toyota dinged, but more importantly, nobody was hurt. Every 1,200 hours, the Franklin engines on those helicopters have to be overhauled. This particular engine had 1,165 hours. Because I was fresh out of flight school, I was able to put my training to good use. It turned out that one of the valves got stuck in the cylinder and was smashed by the piston. With the loss of compression, the engine was running on only 3 cylinders, not enough to keep the helicopter aloft with three people onboard.
I flew a few more times professionally. Things like marine survey, taking Santa Claus to the mall, and flying over parks with a ranger to catch poachers. Returning from a park gig one time I got lost, even with a map on my lap. It was dusk. Nearing a small town, I flew low knowing there would be a sign at the entrance to tell folks where they were. Sure enough, the name of the town was on a sign and I was able to get back to my map and make it to base. That was in the early 1980s. They said it was a recession, but it was more like a depression, for those who recall. A lot of companies cut on expenses, such as hiring helicopters. I had to find another source of employment; that of chauffeur to government officials.
1982 Rotorway Scorpion Two. Photo: Michael Bellamy.
Common Ground
Helicopters and automobiles do have one thing in common: gasoline engines. Same thing with my 40-year-old snowblower. It has an 8 horsepower Briggs & Stratton engine. I finally treated it to an electronic ignition coil to replace the points and condenser. The Hughes 300 helicopters were powered by Franklin horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engines developing 190 horsepower. Franklin engines have been around since 1902 and still power a lot of small helicopters. It even powered the Tucker 48 until, it is rumored, other car manufacturers and a certain Senator ganged up on the Tucker Corporation and they were forced to stop production.
Briggs & Stratton have been around since 1908. Steven Briggs and Harold Stratton wanted to build a gas-powered vehicle and ended up manufacturing small engines for all sorts of applications. They are the world’s largest producer of small gasoline engines. It is certain that you or one of your neighbors have a machine that is powered by a Briggs and Stratton engine.
I simply find engines interesting. I once flew a Rotorway Scorpion II home-built helicopter. It had an Evinrude engine in it. It came with the kit. From gasoline engines for cars, trucks, and tractors, to gasoline engines for your generators, four-wheelers, snowmobiles, Sea-Doos, lawn mowers, and snow blowers; to engines for boats, planes, and helicopters, I for one, am very grateful for gasoline engines.
Michael Bellamy is the author of our Memory Lane series. He enjoys driving his 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC and 2003 Dodge Dakota.

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2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4X4 Review

2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4X4 Review

Adventure seekers will want to take a look at the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk. It’s a less expensive way to get something with the more expensive looks of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus it comes trail-ready with lots of off-road capability. Jeep says the Compass Trailhawk has 30-degree approach, 24-degree breaker, and 34-degree departure angles. It even has the ability to ford up to 19 inches of water without drowning.
This week, we drove the 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4X4.
What’s New For 2017 & 2018
The Jeep Compass was all-new for 2017. The vehicle’s redesign included new powertrains and transmissions, updates to the Uconnect system, and the use of FCA’s “small wide 4×4 architecture.” 2018 Jeep Compass Limited models now offer a 4×2 driveline configuration.
Features & Options
The 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4X4 ($28,595) comes standard with foglights, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a tilt/telscoping steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, USB port and auxiliary audio jack. It also comes with push button start, rear backup camera, and power outside mirrors. It comes fitted with an off-road suspension, rear tow hooks, Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system, and front and rear skid plates for better off-road performance.
This tester came with options like the Cold Weather Group ($645), complete with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel; Lighting Group ($895), Safety Group ($795), Navigation ($895), power 8-way driver’s seat ($645), and power liftgate ($495). Total MSRP including destination: $34,060.

Interior Highlights
The front seats are comfortable and adequately supportive for longer drives into the high country for weekend excursions. The contrasting back/red leather interior combo looked good on our Compass tester. There’s enough room up front for taller adults, but rear legroom is tight for this class, although perfect for kids. In terms of infotainment, the 8.4-inch Uconnect interface found in most Jeep and other FCA models is user-friendly.
This Compass Trailhawk came with cold-weather extras like heated seats, heated steering wheel, and windshield de-icer to keep things clear for those winter trips. With the sloped cabin design, visibility is fairly good in all directions and the rear park assist feature, rear view camera, and blind spot alerts are definitely helpful.
You’ll find enough cargo space in the back for carrying a big cooler, sleeping bags, and other camping gear with the rear seats up. The 27.2 cubic feet of cargo room is more horizontal, so you won’t block the rear window. It’s dog-friendly too, if you want to take your four-legged friends along.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The Jeep Compass Trailhawk is powered by a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder Tigershark engine that pumps out 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft. of torque. This off-road model comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It works in concert with the vehicle’s Active Drive Low 4X4 system (20:1 crawl ratio) and Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system. The Selec-Terrain modes include Snow, Sand, Mud, and exclusive to the Trailhawk, a Rock mode. The Compass Trailhawk has an EPA-estimated fuel mileage rating of 22/30 city/highway and 25 combined mpg.
Driving Dynamics
All of our driving in the Jeep Compass Trailhawk was done at altitude, so factor that in if you live below 5,280 feet. In fact, most our driving was done between 6,500 and 8,500 feet. The Trailhawk is good for commuting in nasty weather and has the ability to get you out of sticky situations when winter strikes. The Trailhawk also comes with Hill-Descent Control and 17-inch Falken all-terrain tires.
In the city, the shorter wheelbase makes for easy maneuvering on tight streets and when parking. The safety aids helped keep us from any mishaps. Even with the Trailhawak’s off-road suspension, it offers a relatively smooth ride on the highway, thanks to its more aerodynamic shape.
We took it up a twisting canyon road west of Denver and felt confident in the vehicle’s ability to remain fairly composed at the posted speed limit. There seemed to be enough power, but we were not carrying cargo or gear. Coming up I-70, we found the 2.4-liter powerplant lacking as we tried to pass slower traffic. We pushed hard on the gas and it took time to build up speed.
Conclusion
The 2017 Jeep Compass Trailhawk 4X4 is designed for adventure seekers who want to get away and enjoy the outdoors. And if you don’t load up on all the available options, it’s a less expensive way to have your cake and eat it too. Overall, the Trailhawk’s best attributes are used off-road where it will take you just about anywhere you want to go.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
Jeep Compass Trailhawk Gallery

Jeep Compass Official Site.
Photos: FCA US LLC.

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